Patriots decline comment on Gronkowski setback

AP , Associated Press

Apr. 7, 20132:01 PM ET

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The New England Patriots say they don't have any comment on published reports that tight end Rob Gronkowski has an infection in his broken arm that could keep him out into the season.

The Boston Herald reported on Sunday that Gronkowski has an infection in the area where a metal plate was installed to repair his left forearm. Doctors will have to wait for the infection to go away to replace the plate, and Gronkowski would need 10 weeks after that to recover, the paper said.

Patriots spokesman Stacey James said the team doesn't expect to comment on the report.

The shirtless-dancing tight end had 10 touchdown catches as a rookie and then set an NFL record for the position with 17 touchdowns in 2011. But he has been injured in each of the last two seasons, including the broken arm he sustained blocking for an extra point late in a blowout win over Indianapolis on Nov. 18.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The New England Patriots say they don't have any comment on published reports that tight end Rob Gronkowski has an infection in his broken arm that could keep him out into the season.